Shloka 2.13.4

अयोध्याकाण्डे त्रयोदशः सर्गः | Kaikeyi Presses the Boons; Dasaratha’s Lament and Collapse

Devanagari script

एवमुक्तस्तु कैकेय्या राजा दशरथस्तदा।प्रत्युवाच ततः क्रुद्धो मुहूर्तं विह्वलन्निव।।।।

Transliteration

evam uktas tu kaikeyyā rājā daśarathas tadā | pratyuvāca tataḥ kruddho muhūrtaṃ vihvalann iva ||

Translation

Thus addressed by Kaikeyī, King Daśaratha then replied—angered, and for a moment as though bewildered and unsteady.

Context

Thus addressed by Kaikeyi, king Dasaratha flew into a temper for a while, and then as if in a state of delirium, replied:

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyī
• Daśaratha

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

The verse shows dharma under strain: even a righteous king can be shaken when forced to choose between vow-truth and paternal duty.

What is the narrative situation?

After Kaikeyī’s pointed reminder about truth and vows, Daśaratha reacts with anger and disorientation and begins to respond.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Human realism within dharma: a virtuous person may momentarily falter emotionally while still being bound to righteousness.